Read: James 1:17

Parker put down his fork and sighed. “Thanks for dinner, Mom. It was great!”

Mom smiled. “Well, thank you, Parker. I know lasagna is your favorite, but you seem to have enjoyed it more than usual.”

“Yeah, but it wasn’t just the lasagna. This whole day has been great!” Parker sat back and clasped his fingers behind his head. “The weather was perfect—not too cold and not too hot. And since Dad fixed the tire on my bike yesterday, I was able to ride on those new trails at the park. I can’t wait to get back there tomorrow.”

The back door opened and Dad walked in. “Hey, Parker. How was the trail ride?”

“It was fantastic, Dad.”

Mom wiped her hands on a towel. “Ready for dinner?” she asked Dad. “Parker graciously left you a little bit of food.”

“He did? Well, that was very generous of you, Parker.”

Parker nodded and looked out the window. “Hey, the cardinal is back at the fence,” he said. “The birds really like that birdseed we bought last Saturday.”

“I know,” Dad said. “Whenever I put a handful of seed on the fence, within a few hours it’s all gone.”

“Dad, do you think the birds ever wonder where the seeds come from?” Parker asked.

“I don’t know, Parker. Maybe. But we don’t have to wonder where the good things in our lives come from. We know that every good thing comes from our Father in heaven. He feeds the birds and provides for us and, best of all, saves us from sin through His Son, Jesus. We need to thank Him for giving us so much every day—and thank those who help bring His blessings into our lives.”

“Just like you did when you thanked me for the dinner I made,” said Mom. “You’ve been doing that a lot lately.”

“Yeah,” said Parker. “I think saying thank you makes me like your food even more than I did before!”

“The same thing happens when we say thank you to God,” said Dad. “It helps us see and appreciate all the good things He’s put in our lives.”

"Well then,” said Parker, “I’m definitely going to thank Him for the great day I’ve had today!”

–Mike Dize

How about you? Do you thank God for all He’s given you? All the good things in your life come from Him—good food, warm clothes, kind words, and the people who love and take care of you. And the best thing of all—Jesus dying on the cross for your sins—also comes from Him. Thank Him for everything He gives you each day, and thank the people in your life who show you His love.

Today's Key Verse: In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Today's Key Thought: Be thankful for every good thing